Kindly note the following and share the same with other members of the Indian community.

(i) Government of India has abolished the PIO Card scheme and converted all the PIO Cards issued prior to 9, January 2015 as OCI Cards. Even though, there is no need to change the PIO Card into OCI Card, the currently held PIO cards are treated as OCI Cards with all the facilities entitled to an OCI Card holder, having lifelong validity with no requirement of registering with Foreigners Regional Registration Offices / Foreigners Registration Offices in India if their stay was exceeding 180 days.

(ii) Government of India has also decided to dispense with ‘U’ (Universal) visa sticker on the foreign passport of OCI Card holders with immediate effect and to modify the OCI registration certificate in the form booklet to provide for the endorsement “Visa validity-Lifelong”. However, it is advised that passport containing “U” sticker may be carried with the new passport and OCI registration card, wherever it is possible. Immigration authorities in India have been advised NOT to insist on production of the foreign passport containing the “U” visa sticker and to grant clearance based on production of the OCI Card only.

May please circulate the above-mentioned widely among the community members.

Regards
G Narayanaswamy

Counsellor & Head of Consular and Community Affairs.